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REVIEW: MXL FR-310 – HOT SHOE SHOTGUN MICROPHONE

In addition to taking excellent stills, today’s DSLR’s (Digital Single Lens Reflex) are being used by professional photographers/videographers to capture excellent quality video footage. Unfortunately, the audio quality by way of the DSLR’s built-in mics often don’t match up to the DSLRs spectacular video quality. Coming to the rescue is the FR-310 shotgun style mic by MXL which can record audio of much higher quality.

Quality Construction

Of solid metal construction, the FR-310 microphone is durable and light weight, typically mounting right above, on the DSLR’s hot shoe for positioning. The short tip/ring/sleeve mini cable running out of the rear of the FR-310 will connect to the audio input jack in the DSLR. Audio attenuation is controlled on the side of the FR-310 by sliding the Low/Medium/High switch to the desired position. The FR-310 mic has a custom fitted windscreen to help block out wind noise when capturing Audio/Video outside. A base roll off switch can be used to cut low frequency noise. The overall audio result is best described as ‘a more focused sound’.

Plenty of Power

A single AAA alkaline battery provides up to 500 hours of power to the FR-310 and a red LED light on the side of the FR-310 will notify the user when the battery power is low and needs to be replaced. Everything is good with the FR-310, the weight, the build quality, solid mono sound. The FR-310 is a welcomed and useful addition for DSLR video, (over riding the internal operations of the DSLR), is easy to set up and is a much better than the internal DSLR microphone.

Directional

A Shotgun mic is highly directional with significantly less sensitive to the side and rear in order to be able to pick up sounds from a fair distance in front of the direction in which the mic is pointed. The FR-310, which is a shotgun mic, does a very good job of reducing background noise. So if recording interviews and speeches where a mono signal is adequate then there is no need to look any further, add the FR-310 microphone to your production toolbox today.

Microphones are available in many shapes, sizes, qualities and price points. When good quality meets reasonable price, a winner is found. The MXL LSM-7GN Dynamic Microphone is a solid microphone at a reasonable price which can be used for live performances by vocalists/musicians. The MXL LSM-7GN is a hi impedance, Dynamic Microphone with an ON/Off switch for complete convenience. The LSM-7GN has a frequency response from 40 – 14 kHz which covers the main spectrum of human ear. The LSM-7GN cardioid pattern of the LSM-7GN helps reduce the possibility of un wanted feedback which is the common hazard for any sound engineer.

Out of the box, the sound quality of the MXL LSM-7GN Dynamic Microphone is clear and pleasant and the tones can be easily EQ’d to suit personal tastes. The MXL LSM-7GN Dynamic Microphone is ideal for the budget conscious performer and will prove to be reliable and convenient in both design and build – perfect for the budding performer.